IIHF drops hammer on Radulov-like situations

As we all know, Alexander Radulov left Nashville and the NHL with one year left on his contract. The IIHF, finally has something to say about it, adopting rule change that takes effect after 2010 season.

In light of last season’s transfer disputes – highlighted by the case of Alexander Radulov who left Nashville (NHL) for Salavat (KHL) despite being under a valid and binding contract – the IIHF has rewritten its International Transfer Regulations in order to prevent such cases and to be able to enforce sanctions against players, associations and clubs who violate the transfer regulations.

Under the old transfer regulations, players could break contracts and resume playing immediately for a new club in another league, without facing serious sanctions. This was also the case with clubs who induced the player to break a valid and binding contract.

The new rules also carry a catalogue of sanctions towards players, associations and clubs who allow players to play within their system without an approved International Transfer Card (ITC).

(Last season two players with valid NHL contracts jumped to the KHL and continued playing without an approved ITC, although those particular transfers required one).

For a breach of a valid and binding contract there will be an automatic four month suspension on playing in official national and international games during playing periods.

The IIHF General Secretary may decide upon further disciplinary measures. The total period of suspension shall however never exceed six months playing period.

Those sanctions are in-line with European Union labor regulations for professional athletes and are also used by the world governing body of soccer, FIFA.

For playing without an approved ITC, the following sanctions could be applied by the IIHF Disciplinary Committee:

Member National Association: Fine of minimum CHF 5’000 and up to CHF 150’000 (maximum) per game the player played without ITC since the IIHF’s intervention.

Club: Ban on international transfers (during international transfer period) of minimum three months and up to 24 months (maximum).

Player: Suspension form IIHF competitions for a minimum of one year and up to three years (maximum).

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